This pathfinder would be appropriate for students from 6th to 12th grades, although the print materials I referenced are specific to the middle school I work at, and the assignment is geared toward middle school students studying civics. The print materials page could be easily changed however, to reflect the materials that each user has access to. Additionally, the scope of the assignment could be expanded upon or reduced depending on the grade level that was targeted. High school students studying Economics or Virginia and United States Government, could also use this pathfinder and I've enclosed the correlating SOLs.
SOLs
Grade 6 or 8 - Civics
High School - Economics
CE.3 The student will demonstrate knowledge of citizenship and the rights, duties, and responsibilities of citizens by
a) describing the processes by which an individual becomes a citizen of the United States;
b) describing the First Amendment freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition, and the rights guaranteed by due process and equal protection of the laws;
c) describing the duties of citizenship, including obeying the laws, paying taxes, defending the nation, and serving in court;
d) examining the responsibilities of citizenship, including registering and voting, communicating with government officials, participating in political campaigns, keeping informed about current issues, and respecting differing opinions in a diverse society;
e) evaluating how civic and social duties address community needs and serve the public good.
CE.5 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the political process at the local, state, and national levels of government by
a) describing the functions of political parties;
b) comparing the similarities and differences of political parties;
c) analyzing campaigns for elective office, with emphasis on the role of the media;
d) examining the role of campaign contributions and costs;
e) describing voter registration and participation;
f) describing the role of the Electoral College in the election of the president and vice president.
High School - Virginia and United States Government
GOVT.6 The student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national elections by
a) describing the organization, role, and constituencies of political parties;
b) describing the nomination and election process;
c) examining campaign funding and spending;
d) analyzing the influence of media coverage, campaign advertising, public opinion polls, and Internet-based communications on elections;
e) examining the impact of reapportionment and redistricting on elections;
f) identifying how amendments extend the right to vote;
g) analyzing voter turnout;
h) evaluating the degree to which interest groups influence political life;
i) participating in simulations of local, state, and/or national elections.
SOLs
Grade 6 or 8 - Civics
High School - Economics
CE.3 The student will demonstrate knowledge of citizenship and the rights, duties, and responsibilities of citizens by
a) describing the processes by which an individual becomes a citizen of the United States;
b) describing the First Amendment freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition, and the rights guaranteed by due process and equal protection of the laws;
c) describing the duties of citizenship, including obeying the laws, paying taxes, defending the nation, and serving in court;
d) examining the responsibilities of citizenship, including registering and voting, communicating with government officials, participating in political campaigns, keeping informed about current issues, and respecting differing opinions in a diverse society;
e) evaluating how civic and social duties address community needs and serve the public good.
CE.5 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the political process at the local, state, and national levels of government by
a) describing the functions of political parties;
b) comparing the similarities and differences of political parties;
c) analyzing campaigns for elective office, with emphasis on the role of the media;
d) examining the role of campaign contributions and costs;
e) describing voter registration and participation;
f) describing the role of the Electoral College in the election of the president and vice president.
High School - Virginia and United States Government
GOVT.6 The student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national elections by
a) describing the organization, role, and constituencies of political parties;
b) describing the nomination and election process;
c) examining campaign funding and spending;
d) analyzing the influence of media coverage, campaign advertising, public opinion polls, and Internet-based communications on elections;
e) examining the impact of reapportionment and redistricting on elections;
f) identifying how amendments extend the right to vote;
g) analyzing voter turnout;
h) evaluating the degree to which interest groups influence political life;
i) participating in simulations of local, state, and/or national elections.